October
2002
CECIL
PARK OLYMPIC SHOOTING COMPLEX
We
are constantly asked what is happening with the Olympic Shooting
complex at Cecil Park. It is now almost 2 years since the Sydney
Olympics and what have we got to show for shooting’s contribution
to the best games ever. Where is shooting’s promised legacy
from the games?
Well, the complex sits quietly nestled into the Cecil Hills countryside
much like Shrek having an afternoon nap.
I called in there last Sunday afternoon and found only one person,
the security guard, in the entire complex. The place looked absolutely
forlorn.
There have been some competitions over the last two years including
the World Cup in April 2002 and a few clubs have made attempts
to utilise the facility but essentially the complex is dormant.
The difficulty is in trying to get some sensible dialogue going
with the owners, the NSW government. They will simply not discuss
the matter. We have made repeated attempts to speak with the Minister
and his staff but they have been refused. The NSW Shooting Association
and the NSW Firearms Safety Awareness Council represent the largest
network of shooting clubs, disciplines and training activity in
Australia and yet the government is unable to discuss our legacy
from the Sydney Olympics. You may find this rather unusual. We
do.
In June 2002 the government put forward a Bill called the Sporting
Venues Management Bill 2002 that is supposed to make provision
for the future management of the complex by creating a management
Trust. There are a few shooting faces on the Trust but they are
outnumbered by the bureaucrats. With all due respect to the organisations
mentioned it looks as if the Trust is just another arm of government..
The rumours that the complex is being prepared as a government
training facility are receding since it looks more like residential
development is gaining favour.
The government needs to realise that there will never be a satisfactory
outcome to Cecil Park until shooting feels that it has “ownership”
of the complex.
about
NSWSA | general interest | insurance
| affiliates | competition
results
shooter of the year | links
